Status

"The Manticore is a highly dangerous Greek beast with the head of a man, the body of a lion and the tail of a scorpion. As dangerous as the Chimaera, and as rare, the Manticore is reputed to croon softly as it devours its prey. Manticore skin repels almost all known charms and the sting causes instant death."

Contents

Description

The Manticore feasting on its prey

A Manticore has a the head of a human, the body of a lion, and the tail of a scorpion that will kill anyone instantly. A Manticore's skin repels all known charms, so it is extremely difficult to subdue a Manticore with magic. It is known to be capable of human speech, and is considered a sentient beast. The Manticore will sing softly as it eats its prey.[1]

History

The Manticore originated in Greece, and is as rare as the Chimaera. The sting of the Manticore causes instant death, and it is reputed to croon softly to its victims as it devours them.[1]

In 1296, a Manticore savaged a person. It managed to escape execution because it was too ferocious to be captured.[2]

See also

Behind the scenes

Although neither mentioned or described, it may be that some defensive spells, such as the Shield Charm and the Patronus Charm, could be used as a means of protection against Manticores, similar to many other physical forces and Dark or carnivorous creatures respectively, such as Dementors and Lethifolds.